GAP Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
The Global Awareness Program (GAP) helps to expand your worldview and résumé through courses, on-campus cultural activities, and study abroad. From study abroad and global internships to engagement with international students and participation in the KU global community, you gain skills that give you a competitive advantage over other applicants.
GAP gives you a competitive advantage through experience with diverse cultures and perspectives. By understanding the interconnectedness of the world and learning about global issues, you better excel at communication, critical thinking, inclusion, leadership, and teamwork, which are TOP career competencies that employers seek. The value of GAP depends on how well you can share clear, detailed examples and connect those skills to the workplace.
Any undergraduate student — both domestic and international — can register for GAP. The certificate is open to all majors. GAP students can take among 30+ languages offered at KU and hundreds of international courses. It is a great way to engage with the global community and meet students from 100+ countries represented at KU. We offer over 165 programs in more than 70 countries with options for every major and scholarships! To earn a GAP certificate, you must complete two-of-the-three components.
The GAP calendar shows the cultural and global activities at KU. You can find language tables here. After an event, you record it by logging into MyKU/EL Certificates/GAP and then “Submit New Activity.” After 20 hours, “Submit Activity Reflection” will become accessible, and you need to answer these final activity questions.
- Scroll to the bottom of the gap.ku.edu page and click “Register for GAP.”
- You will then sign into KU and then will be taken to the Undergraduate Change of Major/Minor/Certificate, which should auto-populate with your information.
- Near the bottom of the page is the Certificates section. Select “Yes” you would like to add a certificate or “Add another Certificate” if you have already registered for one and select the Global Awareness Cert Prog. I have included a screenshot that I hope is helpful.
- After a couple of days, it will automatically process you and give you access to GAP page through MyKU/EL Certificates.
To earn a GAP certificate, you must complete two components. Complete all 3 to earn GAP with Distinction.
Academics
2 consecutive semesters of modern foreign language courses AND 3 courses with a modern international focus. (5 classes in total)
Cultural Activities:
Path A: Complete a minimum semester-long activity that requires at least 20 hours of active participation in an international student-focused group and/or internship with a global component. This can’t be part of your study abroad experience. Email mmward@ku.edu to see if your activity will count.
Path B: Participate in 20 hours of campus activities that have an international and/or cultural focus. You will need to participate in events from at least three different world regions (e.g. Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe). You may spread these activities out over the entire time you are enrolled in the GAP program.
The GAP calendar shows the cultural and global activities at KU. You can find language tables here.
International Experience
Complete a KU-approved study/internship/research abroad program for credit. Participate in a GAP Discussion Group with fellow study abroad students or answer questions through MyKU/ EL Certificates/GAP Click "Submit Experience Reflection."
Complete any 2 components to earn the certificate!
The language must be spoken as a native or primary language for ordinary communication. Languages taught at KU that count for GAP are Arabic, Bosnian, Chinese, Croatian, Czech, French, German, Haitian Creole, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Kaqchikel Maya, Kiswahili, Korean, Miskitu, Montenegrin, Persian, Polish, Portuguese, Quechua, Russian, Serbian, Spanish, Tibetan, Turkish, Ukrainian, Uyghur, Wolof, and Yiddish
It is an EASY certificate for international students. It is a credential that can highlight your career-related goals and curricular and extracurricular activities, regardless of your field of study.
Academics
Waiver for English proficiency or AEC classes AND 2 classes with a modern international focus and 1 course with a U.S. focus
Activities
Path A: Complete a minimum semester-long activity that requires at least 20 hours of active participation in an international student-focused group and/or internship with a global component. This can’t be part of your study abroad experience. Email mmward@ku.edu to see if your activity will count.
Path B: Participate in 20 hours of campus activities that have an international and/or cultural focus. You will need to participate in events from at least three different world regions (e.g. Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe). You may spread these activities out over the entire time you are enrolled in the GAP program.
The GAP calendar shows the cultural and global activities at KU. You can find language tables here.
International Experience
Your time at KU counts as your international experience. You only need to participate in a GAP Discussion Group with fellow Jayhawks or answer questions through MyKU/EL Certificates/GAP Click "Submit Experience Reflection."
GAP with Distinction is earned when you complete all three components of academics, on-campus activities, and international experience.
Yes, if you have received college credit for language or modern international courses, they will count toward the certificate.
Consider your international experiences, such as study abroad, internships, campus activities, classes you’ve taken, and languages you’ve learned. Provide clear, detailed examples of what you accomplished, the difference you made, and the skills you used and how they connect to the job you’re pursuing. The Career Center can provide you with specific guidance.
Example statements:
- Completed 15 credits of coursework in marketing, management, and Italian
- Completed a six-week intensive German language study, gaining intermediate written and oral communication skills
- Collaborated in classes with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds, including China, Germany, and South Africa, enhancing global perspective, cross-cultural communication, and problem-solving skills
- Traveled extensively throughout Italy, France, and Spain, interacting with local cultures and gaining knowledge of art and history
- Interviewed Costa Rican business leaders to develop an increased understanding of national economic and environmental policies
- Created a 15-minute Vimeo media presentation on the eco-tourism industry; chosen for display on the Latin American Studies website
- Led a team of four to organize an annual week-long international summer program attended by 65+ participants from five countries; managed a budget of $11,500
- Organized and promoted cultural festivals and international student mixers on campus, engaging over 200 students across 10+ countries
- Facilitated pre-departure orientation seminars for groups of 15-30 volunteers going to Africa
- Developed cross-cultural communication, adaptability, and problem-solving skills through independent travel across five European countries; managed logistics and cultural activities, and engaged with local communities